January 8, 1928-September 4, 2019
Eva was the third of six children of Michele and Filomena Coppa, immigrants from Pronza, Italy. Although the family had little money, they always ate well from the fruits, vegetables, rabbits and chickens raised on a city lot in Detroit. The Italian tradition of a bountiful table was continued by Eva and passed on to her children. After graduation from Pershing High School, Eva went to work at Michigan Bell Telephone Company where she met and married Albert Cain. She then devoted her energies to raising her three children. When her children grew up, she returned to school and earned an associate degree in art from Northwestern Michigan College. Volunteering and charitable work were important to Eva. She donated hand-made knitted hats, quilted baby blankets, sewed dresses for little girls and their dolls at Christmas and much more. She said that this was her way of paying back kindnesses she had received as a child. The faith that Eva shared with her fellow worshippers at The Church of Jesus Christ* sustained her and was a comfort and joy to her. Amongst the papers she had left for her family was the following. “I, Eva Cain give thanks to my heavenly father for his love and care throughout my life. Thanks to all my brothers and sisters in Christ for their many prayers. My love and greetings to those who have predeceased me: My husband, Albert Cain; my parents and in-laws; my brothers and sister; my son-in-law, Robert Zehr; and my grandson, Robert Lilly. My love forever to those I leave: My daughter, Linda (George) Lilly; my son, Brian (Alice) Cain; my daughter, Judy (William) Doot; my grandson Clayton (Heather) Lilly; and my great-grandchildren, Ben, Lauren and Evan Lilly; my granddaughter, Erika (Jeromey) Doot; and all my cousins; nieces; nephews; and dear friends. May God bless you and keep you in his care.” Visitation will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 11:00-1:00 PM at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson St. Lowell, MI 49331 with funeral services following at 1:00 PM. Rev. Gary Coppa, officiating. Memorial contributions in Eva’s name may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ, Branch 2 Renovation Fund, c/o Joyce Vargo, 16366 Windemere Circle, Southgate, MI 48195.
*a non-denominational Protestant Christian religion preceding and not associated with the Mormon faith.